Contact: Laura Porter
Executive Director
(515) 244-1888
director@iowaarchfoundation.org

Iowa Mid-Century Modern Hosts Home Tour to Benefit the Iowa Architectural Foundation
Sunday, June 4, 2023

DES MOINES, Iowa (April 19, 2023) – The Iowa Architectural Foundation and Iowa Mid-century Modern are pleased to announce MIDWEST MODERN, a Mid-Century Modern Home Tour in Des Moines on Sunday, June 4 from 12:00 to 5:00PM.

This year’s self-guided tour will take attendees through some of the most noteworthy mid-century homes in the Des Moines metro, offering an exclusive look at the interiors and exteriors of four residences, all built between 1952 and 1970.

Each of the homes showcases the iconic lines and materials of mid-century architecture, including one Linden Heights residence with three angled wings and a rounded glass skylight that encircles its attic chimney. One of the homes, completed in 1954, was designed by then 29-year-old Paula Holmes, AIA, who was part of a pioneering generation of female architects who graduated from architecture programs in the 1940s.

“Mid-century modern architecture is an important part of Iowa’s design history, and we’re excited to give people a chance to experience it firsthand,” said Laura Porter, Executive Directory of the Iowa Architectural Foundation. “Mid-century homes have not only remained popular for their designs, but they also represent a time of innovation and creativity in architecture.”

The tours provide excellent architectural examples of the era, and also exhibit how to bring mid-century styles to homes of every decade. Touring the interiors, guests can visit with the homeowners about their restoration or renovation process, their motivation for buying a mid-century home and how they selected their home’s furnishings.

The tour will be self-guided, allowing attendees to explore the homes at their own pace. Each home will have knowledgeable docents on hand to answer questions and provide additional information about the homes and their unique features.

Tickets are required to attend and once on sale may be purchased at https://www.iowamcm.com. Ticket purchasers will receive a free signature cocktail created exclusively for the event at the Bartender’s Handshake, a small neighborhood bar on Ingersoll Avenue specializing in craft cocktails. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s educational programs for children and adults.

The Sponsors for Midwest Modern are:
Iowa Mid-Century Modern
Funky Finds Vintage & Retro
Kitschy Cat Studio
Bartender’s Handshake
A Okay Antiques
Atomic Garage
Modville
Divine Times Vintage
Unforgettable
Blind Pig
Alt Design Studio
Atomic Auctions
DSM Modern Real Estate

Contact Suzie Fredregill, 515-777-0667, at Funky Finds, for more specifics about the home tour.

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Iowa Architectural Foundation
Proceeds from this event will help fund the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s programming and our mission to increase the public’s awareness of the value of architecture to Iowa communities. For more information about tours, classes, and special events, visit www.iowaarchfoundation.org.

Iowa Mid-Century Modern
Iowa Mid-Century Modern (IMCM) is a collective dedicated to building a local community of design enthusiasts. IMCM believes both great Mid-Century design and a great audience for that design exist in Iowa. The group shares their passion for Mid-Century design, architecture, art and fashion to educate, preserve Iowa’s heritage, support local businesses and ultimately foster a lasting appreciation for a remarkable era of design. The IMCM board is composed of passionate vintage enthusiasts and local business owners who organize community events, share ideas and resources, promote small businesses and moderate the community page. IMCM gives back to the community through partnering with non-profits, donating to charities, and featuring fundraisers that support Mid-Century architecture and lifestyle in Iowa.